Summary : From the western shores and dramatic fjords of Greenland to the headwaters of Hudson Bay, this journey delves as deep into Arctic history and culture as it does wildlife. Venture to a part of the world where polar bears, whales, seals and humans have all learned to co-exist for thousands of years aboard an expedition vessel with comfortable surroundings. Tundra hiking for all fitness levels and optional kayaking excursions will keep you active in the Arctic, while visits to communities in Greenland and Canada will give you insights into the Inuit way of life.

Today’s charter flight departs Copenhagen and arrives in Greenland. Land in Kangerlussuaq at Greenland’s largest commercial airport, which was once a U.S. military base. Transfer to the port and take your first Zodiac ride out to the expedition vessel.

Icy fjords, colorful communities and a historical UNESCO World Heritage Site await you in Greenland. Visit Sisimiut, the second largest settlement in Greenland. With its small fishing village-feel and great harbor for walking, enjoy time to stroll around and take photos of the old, colorful buildings. Watch a demonstration of traditional kayaking before venturing further north to Ilulissat.

Ilulissat, A UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier which is one of the fastest and most active glaciers in the world. As well as some spectacular zodiac cruising, there is also time for a refreshing longer hike in Ilulissat.

Heading west, most of the day will be spent at sea giving plenty of time to hang out on deck, search for cetaceans or watch the seabirds glide along above the Arctic Ocean. This Arctic waterway, which separates Greenland and Baffin Island in Canada, is called the Davis Strait, named after the English explorer John Davis.

Before reaching Baffin Island, journey to the small island with a big name – Monumental Island. This is a well-known island for potential close encounters with some of the Arctic’s most iconic creatures – walrus and polar bear. Settle in for a Zodiac ride around the island, in search of the world’s only tusked pinnipeds and largest land carnivores!

Continue along the eastern edge of Baffin Island in an area called Ungava Bay. Land ashore and begin the search for birds and bears. The word Akpat is the Inuit name for the thick-billed murre, or Brünnich's guillemot. Nesting on the tall limestone cliffs found around the island, this is one of the largest colonies in the world and a favored spot for polar bears.

Step foot on Baffin Island at the tiny community of Kimmirut, meet members of the Inuit community and learn about their traditional lifestyle. Once an important trading post with the Hudson Bay Company, this area has an interesting mix of historical sites that can be explored while hiking. Many of the Inuit who live here (fewer than 500) sustain themselves by selling impressive indigenous artwork and sculptures. Enjoy time wandering around the settlement or purchase a piece of Inuit art when something catches your eye.

This little hamlet is dubbed the “Capital of Inuit Art.” Since the 1950’s art has been the primary source of income for this small, local economy. Discover plentiful Inuit carvings, lithographs, sculptures and drawings in a settlement that has an interesting history, dating back more than 3,000 years.

Voyage into the second largest bay in the world and watch for wildlife. There are numerous landing site options in Hudson Bay, including Zodiac excursions around Walrus Island and shore excursions and hiking at Digges, Coats and Marble Islands. The relatively shallow waters of Hudson Bay create a rich marine environment great for spotting a wide variety of animals. Look amongst the big cliffs at Digges Islands for black guillemots and Iceland gulls. On the ground, watch for caribou and polar bears. Beluga whales are often seen around the ship. If time allows, cruise by zodiac for a closer look. Want to encounter walrus? Then Coats Island, and the aptly named Walrus Island, should provide the best opportunities for good viewing in this part of Hudson Bay.

At Coral Harbour, a small settlement of Inuit people live on the shores of Southampton Island. This area was home to one of the last Thule Inuit settlements in the Arctic, with Sallirmuit people living here until the 20th Century. Breathe in the clear fresh Arctic air and get active by hiking on Marble Island. Gain a whole new perspective on life as this part of Hudson Bay has a lengthy list of expedition mysteries and historic stories.

Your final day in the Arctic will include a Zodiac excursion in search of beluga whales, which are often seen around the coastal areas at Churchill. Say goodbye to the ship and crew before your flight and a final included overnight stay in a Toronto hotel.

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.

Reverse Itinerary: 8/11/2014This voyage operates in the reverse and includes an overnight in Toronto at the beginning of the trip and an overnight in Copenhagen at the end. Embarkation is in Churchill; disembarkation is in Kangerlussuaq.

Mandatory Travel Insurance:All guests are required to have comprehensive travel insurance coverage. Due to the remoteness of the areas in this itinerary, travelers must have a minimum $50,000 of emergency medical coverage. Proof of coverage is required prior to embarkation. The shipping company will not be held responsible for delays due to force majeure. Any additional costs accrued will be the responsibility of the traveler. ExpeditionTrips strongly recommends that the travel insurance policy covers trip cancellation insurance, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage and repatriation. ExpeditionTrips can assist you with this.

Sea Kayaking Option: Available all departures Not included in cruise rate. See rates page for price. Minimum age 16 years. This is a pre-booked option for kayakers with some experience. Places are strictly limited so please advise at time of booking. Please contact ExpeditionTrips for additional details.

Included:Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage (Please inform of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.); coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; a complimentary selection of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages; all shore landings per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled; photographic journal on DVD, documenting the voyage; a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; an expedition parka – yours to keep; hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin; comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard ship; emergency evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of $100,000 per person*; for 7/29/2014 departure: one complimentary night pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Copenhagen and one night post-expedition hotel accommodation at Toronto airport with breakfast as indicated in the itinerary; for 8/11/2014 departure: one complimentary night pre-expedition hotel accommodation at Toronto airport and one night post-expedition hotel accommodation in Copenhagen with breakfast as indicated in the itinerary.

Not Included:Any airfare (economy seats on the charter flights must be purchased in conjunction with the expedition: $1,750 per person); passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; transfers in Copenhagen and Toronto; any beverages that are not in the complimentary selection; any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation, if applicable; baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance; excess baggage charges; laundry and other personal charges; telecommunications charges; the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for ship’s crew and Expedition Team members; optional kayaking ($595 per person); fuel surcharge may apply.

*Emergency Evacuation Insurance: Emergency evacuation coverage to a maximum benefit per paying passenger of $100,000 is included in the cost of this expedition. Included coverage is applicable only to travel between the first and last day of the expedition purchased. Additional days of travel prior to the expedition and/or after the expedition are not covered by the included emergency evacuation insurance. We strongly advise all passengers to purchase medical, cancellation and baggage insurance, and additional emergency evacuation coverage.

Above rates are per person and based on double occupancy except in Triple Cabins.

Charter Airfare: $1,750 per person (this must be purchased in conjunction with the expedition)

Single Rate: 1.7 times the regular double occupancy rate in Porthole, Window and Superior Suites; 2 times the regular double occupancy rate in Deluxe, Veranda and Penthouse Suites. Solo travelers can be matched up to share a cabin, if available, and will be charged the double or triple occupancy rate (standard cabin categories only).

Sea Explorer

Overview : The 111-passenger vessel, built in 1992 and refurbished in 2005, offers a classic yacht-like atmosphere with fine accommodations in 53 outside suites. Spacious and finely decorated public areas include an elegant lounge, a fine dining room, a library with internet access, a lounge with audio-visual facilities and The Club, a space for relaxation, with picture windows for panoramic views. The ship also includes an exercise room, wrap-around sun deck with Jacuzzi, and an elevator serving all passenger decks. Sea Explorer is ice strengthened for voyages into Arctic waters, and is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac inflatable craft for forays ashore. Kayaks are also available for a unique Arctic experience.

Cabin Description : All accommodations aboard Sea Explorer are suites. They face outside, with sea views. Penthouse and Veranda Suites each have a private balcony with sliding doors. All suites include a bedroom with twin or queen-size beds, sitting area, mini-refrigerator, Satellite TV, DVD/CD player, telephone, and a marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries.

Shu Y.

Sep 2013

Greenland

A superb itinerary in a magnificent area of Greenland. The expedition staff worked as an effective and professional team with a very appropriate attention to safety and interpretation. Excellent servic.

Payment Methods:Credit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover), in addition to check or wire. All late payments are subject to a penalty $50 per person administration fee and 1.5% interest per month, or 18% per annum. The shipping company reserves the right to cancel any booking that is not paid within 120 days of departure or deny boarding on any unpaid balances.

Payment Policy is subject to change without notice.

Cancellation Policy

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellation penalties are based on the number of days prior to departure that the cancellation was received and are subject to change without notice. We strongly suggest you obtain trip cancellation insurance. Failure to secure a valid passport, visa, or air arrangements does not waive this policy.

Penalties:180 days or more: Refund less minimum fee of $1,250 per person 179-120 days: Forfeit deposit 119 days or less: Forfeit all payments. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately.

Pre and Post Travel Options:Any arranged by the shipping company may not be refundable after booked, please consult with ExpeditionTrips for full terms and conditions on the product you booked. Cancellations received less than 120 days before departure are 100% non refundable.

Adventure Options:Prices quoted are based on group participation and no refunds will be made for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate, including kayaking, camping, skiing, SUP, mountaineering or ballooning (if applicable and which, at the discretion of the Captain and Expedition Leader, may or may not be used). It is understood that refunds cannot be made to travelers who do not complete the services for any reason whatsoever.

Programs Contingency Plan:FOR "ANTARCTIC EXPRESS (Fly South, Cruise North; Circle Crossing; Fly the Drake; and Cruise South, Fly North) " ONLY. The shipping company will make every effort to ensure the Antarctic Express programs take place but due to weather conditions, flying in this region can be difficult and is beyond the control of the shipping company. We strongly recommend that all expedition guests purchase a travel insurance policy including trip delay, cancellation and interruption insurance. Please ask ExpeditionTrips about travel insurance. If the shipping company cancels a voyage, they will provide letters for all clients to submit to their travel insurance providers under the trip delay/interruption and cancellation clause.

THE SHIPPING COMPANY WILL NOT OFFER PASSENGERS A REFUND IN THE EVENT OF TRIP CANCELLATION. THE SHIPPING COMPANY WILL NOT OFFER PASSENGERS COMPENSATION IN THE EVENT OF A DELAY.

The shipping company will make every effort to assist passengers with rebooking hotels or flights, but this will be at the cost of the passengers, and the shipping company strongly recommends that all clients contact their insurance provider prior to changing any reservations.

Passengers on board the ship during these delays will remain on board with no additional cost until the time in which the charter flight is able to arrange transport. The shipping company advises all clients to book changeable airlines tickets along with cancellation and interruption insurance to assist with additional airline change fees. We advise all passengers to have flexible travel arrangements upon disembarkation of the voyage if delays arise.